For many families relocating to Florida, one of the biggest questions isn't about the house—it's about the schools.

I receive questions almost every week from buyers asking:

• Which schools are assigned to this home?
• Can my child attend a different public school?
• How does Florida's School Choice program work?
• What is the Step Up For Students Scholarship?
• What private schools are nearby?

The good news is that Florida offers families more educational options than many other states. Understanding those options before purchasing a home can help you make the best decision for your family.

School Boundaries Are Based on the County—Not the City

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that schools are assigned by city.

In reality, public school attendance is determined by the county school district, not the city where you live.

For example:

Palm Beach County School District

If you purchase a home in:

• Jupiter and Tequesta (Palm Beach County)
• Palm Beach Gardens
• Juno Beach
• North Palm Beach
• Singer Island

your child will generally attend schools within the School District of Palm Beach County, based on your home's attendance zone unless you are accepted into a School Choice or other eligible program.

Martin County School District

If you purchase a home in:

• Hobe Sound
• Stuart
• Palm City
• The Martin County portion of Jupiter and Tequesta

your assigned public school is determined by the Martin County School District.

Before purchasing a home, I always recommend verifying the assigned school directly with the appropriate school district, as attendance boundaries and enrollment policies can change.

Florida's School Choice Program

Florida gives families the opportunity to explore educational options beyond their assigned neighborhood school.

Depending on where you live, available space, and application deadlines, families may be able to apply for:

• Magnet Schools
• Choice Programs
• Career Academies
• International Baccalaureate (IB)
• Cambridge Programs
• STEM & STEAM Programs
• Montessori Programs
• Controlled Open Enrollment

Most of these programs require an application during designated enrollment periods, and acceptance may be based on available space or a lottery process.

What Is Step Up For Students?

One of the questions I hear most often from relocating families is about Step Up For Students.

Step Up For Students is a Florida scholarship organization that administers several state-funded scholarship programs. Depending on eligibility and the specific scholarship program, families may receive financial assistance to attend participating private schools or access other educational options.

Because scholarship programs and eligibility requirements can change, I recommend reviewing the current information directly with Step Up For Students before making educational decisions.

Where Should You Look for School Ratings?

There are many websites that rank schools, but I encourage families to start with the Florida Department of Education.

The Florida Department of Education publishes each public school's official accountability information, including school grades and performance data. These ratings are based on Florida's statewide accountability system and provide one of the most reliable ways to compare public schools across the state.

While online ratings can be helpful, nothing replaces visiting a school, meeting the staff, and determining whether it's the right fit for your child.

Private School Options

Families moving to Northern Palm Beach County and Martin County also have access to an outstanding selection of private schools.

Below are some of the area's most well-known options.

The Pine School

Location: Hobe Sound

Grades: Kindergarten through 12th Grade

The Pine School is an independent college preparatory school serving students throughout Martin and Palm Beach Counties. Known for small class sizes, strong academics, leadership development, and a beautiful campus, it is one of the Treasure Coast's most respected independent schools.

Jupiter Christian School

Location: Jupiter

Grades: Preschool through 12th Grade

Jupiter Christian School offers a Christ-centered education with college preparatory academics, athletics, fine arts, and a wide variety of extracurricular activities.

All Saints Catholic School

Location: Jupiter

Grades: Pre-K through 8th Grade

All Saints Catholic School has served families in northern Palm Beach County for decades. The school combines faith formation with strong academics while emphasizing leadership, service, and character development.

The Benjamin School

Locations: North Palm Beach & Palm Beach Gardens

Grades: Pre-K through 12th Grade

The Benjamin School is one of South Florida's premier independent college preparatory schools. With separate lower and upper school campuses, Benjamin is known for exceptional academics, athletics, arts, leadership opportunities, and college placement.

Weiss School

Location: Palm Beach Gardens

Grades: Pre-K through 8th Grade

The Weiss School specializes in educating gifted students through a challenging academic curriculum focused on creativity, innovation, and individualized learning.

St. Mark's Episcopal School

Location: Palm Beach Gardens

Grades: Preschool through 8th Grade

St. Mark's Episcopal School emphasizes academic excellence while nurturing leadership, character, faith, and community involvement.

St. Clare School

Location: North Palm Beach

Grades: Pre-K through 8th Grade

St. Clare School offers Catholic education with an emphasis on faith, academics, service, and personal growth in a close-knit learning environment.

Rosarian Academy

Location: West Palm Beach

Grades: Preschool through 8th Grade

Rosarian Academy is one of Palm Beach County's oldest independent Catholic schools, offering strong academics together with faith formation, arts, athletics, and leadership opportunities.

St. Ann Catholic School

Location: West Palm Beach

Grades: Pre-K through 8th Grade

Located in downtown West Palm Beach, St. Ann Catholic School has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, faith formation, and community involvement.

St. Mary's Catholic School

Location: West Palm Beach

Grades: Pre-K through 8th Grade

St. Mary's Catholic School is one of the area's oldest Catholic schools, providing faith-based education alongside academics, athletics, arts, and leadership development.

The King's Academy

Location: West Palm Beach

Grades: Preschool through 12th Grade

The King's Academy is a private Christian college preparatory school known for strong academics, championship athletics, performing arts, STEM programs, and a vibrant campus community.

Oxbridge Academy

Location: West Palm Beach

Grades: 6th through 12th Grade

Oxbridge Academy is an independent college preparatory school recognized for rigorous academics, innovative learning, athletics, arts, and leadership opportunities.

Cardinal Newman High School

Location: West Palm Beach

Grades: 9th through 12th Grade

Cardinal Newman High School is a Catholic college preparatory high school known for academic excellence, competitive athletics, leadership development, and a long tradition of preparing students for college and beyond.

Choosing the Right School

Every family has different priorities.

Some families prioritize:

• Academic performance
• Small class sizes
• Athletics
• Fine arts
• STEM programs
• Faith-based education
• College preparation
• Gifted education
• Commute time

The highest-rated school isn't necessarily the best school for every child.

The right school is the one that fits your child's personality, learning style, interests, and your family's goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to attend my assigned public school?

Not always. Florida offers School Choice options, although availability depends on program requirements, application deadlines, and available seats.

Can I choose any public school?

Some schools participate in Choice Programs or Controlled Open Enrollment, while others have specific admission requirements or capacity limits. It's important to review your district's current policies before applying.

Are school boundaries permanent?

No. School attendance boundaries may change as enrollment grows or districts make adjustments. Always verify the assigned school before purchasing a home.

Should I trust online school ranking websites?

They can provide additional information, but I recommend beginning with the Florida Department of Education'sofficial accountability reports and then visiting schools that interest you.

Can Step Up For Students help pay for private school?

Depending on eligibility and the scholarship program, many Florida families may qualify for assistance through Step Up For Students. Review the current eligibility requirements before applying.

Final Thoughts

Moving is a big decision, and choosing the right school is often one of the most important parts of that process.

Whether you're interested in highly rated public schools, School Choice opportunities, private education, or Florida scholarship programs, our area offers families an exceptional variety of educational options.

If you're planning a move to Jupiter, Tequesta, Hobe Sound, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, or West Palm Beach, I'm happy to help you find not only the right home—but the community that best fits your family's lifestyle and educational goals.

Related Reading

The Best Jupiter Neighborhoods for a Classic Florida Childhood

Essential Guide to Moving to Jupiter Florida as a Buyer

Thinking About Buying a Home in Jupiter? A Local’s Guide to Jupiter

Ready to Buy or Sell in Jupiter and The Palm Beaches?

Whether you are buying or selling a home in Jupiter, Tequesta, or the Northern Palm Beaches, I would be happy to help you understand your options and create a strategy that fits your goals.

Call or text Kristin Wallace at 781-771-5400 or email Kristin to get started.